'Smart Swaps': The best way to portion your plate this Thanksgiving
Dr. Hasan Shanawani, with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, said almost one third of people in New Jersey are pre-diabetic and ten percent live with the disease already.
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For those who struggle with health concerns like diabetes, making the right choices during the holidays is crucial.
Dr. Hasan Shanawani, with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, said almost one third of people in New Jersey are pre-diabetic and ten percent live with the disease already.
However, he told News 12 it's possible for anyone to enjoy Thanksgiving festivities without overindulging.
"Half of your plate should be veggies. A quarter of your plate should be lean meat like chicken or turkey without the skin. Then no more than a quarter of your plate should be those high-carb things like the mashed potatoes or the sweets," Shanawani said.
Some easy swaps include things like fresh fruit for cranberry sauce or cauliflower mash for potatoes.
Though, if you don't want to cut anything out, the longtime doctor said it's important to remember portion control.
"If you want to try everything, just do one spoon of it," he said.
Shanawani's biggest tip is that it's not just about what you eat - but what you do before - and after.
"The biggest mistake that people make is skipping meals and thinking, 'Oh I'm going to eat a whole big thing'," he said. "Pacing your food avoids those big highs and lows with sugar, your big blood sugar swings that cause the overeating."
